FRANKFORT — With the widow and colleagues of fallen Lexington police officer Bryan Durman looking on, the Kentucky Senate unanimously approved a bill Wednesday named in his honor.

Senate Bill 15, the Bryan Durman Act, is in response to the April 2010 death of Durman, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver while on duty.

Under the proposal sponsored by Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr, R-Lexington, people convicted of second-degree manslaughter would be considered violent offenders. As a result, they would have to serve 85 percent of their sentence before pursuing parole.

Kerr told her colleagues that Glenn Doneghy, who was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in Durman's death, will be eligible for parole on April 30, 2014.

Manslaughter is not considered a violent crime, which means Doneghy can seek parole after serving 20 percent of his 20-year sentence.

If Durman had survived but had been severely injured, Doneghy would have had to serve 85 percent of his sentence, Kerr said.

After the Republican-led Senate approved the measure on a 36-0 vote, Brandy Durman said in an interview that she feels "very blessed that our legislators are in touch with the people and want to protect these police officers and firefighters who do so much to protect each and every one of us."

Brandy Durman said she is hopeful the Democrat-led House will approve the legislation.

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